The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas has immediately invoked the 12-point action plan under Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR). This action was triggered after the air quality in Delhi crossed the threshold into the “Very Poor” category.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 296 (“Poor”), but the hourly average rose to 300 at 6 PM and further increased to 302 at 7 PM, prompting the swift response from the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP. All concerned agencies in the NCR are directed to implement all Stage-II actions in addition to the Stage-I actions already in force.
Mandates for Industrial and Transport Sectors
The Stage-II action plan, corresponding to “Very Poor” air quality (AQI 301-400), includes stringent measures targeting construction, transport, and industrial activities:
- Dust Control: Intensify mechanical and vacuum sweeping, along with water sprinkling and dust suppressants, on all identified roads, especially at hotspots and heavy traffic corridors.
- Construction Restrictions: Intensify inspections for strict enforcement of dust control measures at construction and demolition (C&D) sites.
- Public Transport Augmentation: Augment public transport services by inducting more CNG/electric buses and increasing the frequency of metro services. Introduce differential rates to encourage off-peak travel.
- Private Vehicle Disincentive: Enhance parking fees to discourage the use of private transport.
- Inter-State Bus Ban: Do not permit inter-state buses from NCR states, other than EVs, CNG, or BS-VI Diesel buses, to enter Delhi (excluding All India Tourist Permit buses/Tempo Travellers).
- Hotspot Abatement: Ensure focused and targeted action for abatement of air pollution in all identified hotspots in NCR.
Regulation of Diesel Generator (DG) Sets
The plan enforces a strict schedule for the regulated operation of DG sets across all sectors (Industrial, Commercial, Residential, etc.) in the NCR. The use of DG sets is generally restricted unless operating on cleaner fuels or classified under specific exempted categories:
| DG Capacity Range | System Adopted for Control | Regulations for Use |
| Up to 800 kW (1000 kVA) (to specified standards) | None | No restrictions |
| 41 kW to less than 800 kW | Dual fuel mode OR retro-fitted Emission Control Devices (ECDs) | No restrictions |
| 19 kW to less than 41 kW | Dual fuel mode | No restrictions |
| Portable DG sets below 19 kW | None | Not to be generally permitted, only for prescribed emergency services. |
DG sets not working in a dual fuel mode due to the unavailability of gas infrastructure are permitted only for prescribed emergency services (e.g., elevators, medical services, water pumping stations, and national security projects).
Citizen Charter and Advisory
The Sub-Committee urged citizens to adhere to the following specific steps:
- Use public transport and minimize the use of personal vehicles.
- Avoid open burning of solid waste and bio-mass.
- Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) are directed to provide electric heaters to staff engaged in security and sanitation services to prevent open biomass/Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) burning during winters.
- Authorities are directed to issue alerts in newspapers, TV, and radio to advise people about air pollution levels and minimizing polluting activities.
The CAQM is closely monitoring the situation and will review the air quality scenario regularly.